Apple

Software Engineer, Music Search

Apple$120K — $160K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of programming experience in Python, Java, and Go.
  • Proven expertise in machine learning, NLP, information retrieval, or Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • Strong ability to convert product objectives into effective technical strategies.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, along with analytical problem-solving ability.
  • Thorough understanding of search fundamentals, including ranking and indexing.
  • Experience with big data technologies like Hadoop, Java, Scala, and Spark.
  • Background in search, recommendation systems, or related domains.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement large-scale machine learning systems for search across Apple platforms.
  • Employ advanced distributed systems engineering and ML techniques.
  • Model user intent to ensure relevant and personalized search outcomes.
  • Build and optimize systems for data processing, query execution, and ranking on a global scale.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into production.
  • Maintain strict adherence to user privacy standards in all systems.
  • Enhance user experiences by translating complex research into functional features.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and innovative work environment with high impact.
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in AI and machine learning.
  • Focus on end-to-end project ownership from concept to launch.
  • Directly contribute to products and services enjoyed by millions of users.
  • Commitment to user privacy in solution design.
Full Job Description
The Apple Services Engineering AI/ML organization is hiring a Software Engineer to join the Music Search team.

Our team builds the core intelligence that powers search discovery experiences in the Apple Music, Siri, Spotlight, 3p, and beyond, helping users effortlessly find and enjoy the content they love. We are a collaborative, high-impact team that values innovation, craftsmanship, and end-to-end ownership from idea to launch. Our systems combine large-scale data, modern retrieval and ranking models, and a deep commitment to user privacy.

Join us, you'll develop scalable systems and machine learning models that drive search relevance, personalization, and understanding of content at scale. Working closely with cross-functional partners in product and design, you'll translate cutting-edge research in advanced machine learning and generative AI into secure and delightful production features used by millions every day.

Description

As a Software Engineer on the Music Search team, within the Apple Services Engineering Media Search organization, you will design and deploy large-scale ML systems that power search and discovery across Apple platforms.

You'll apply complex distributed systems engineering, machine learning, natural language understanding, and generative AI to model user intent and deliver relevant, personalized results. Your work will involve building and optimizing complex multi-team systems including systems that process large data, rapid query execution, data processing, ML models, retrieval pipelines, and ranking systems that operate at global scale and under strict privacy standards.

This is a hands-on role where you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to bring advanced Searchtechnologies into production-shaping how users find music they love.

Minimum Qualifications

Strong programming skills in Python, Java and Go for building scalable distributed and ML systems.

Experience in machine learning, NLP, IR, or more recently Large Language Model ( LLMs).

Ability to translate product goals into technical solutions, improving user experience.

Strong communication, collaboration, and analytical problem-solving skills.

In-depth knowledge of search and information retrieval fundamentals, including indexing and ranking. Experience with retrieval and ranking algorithms and building big data pipelines using Hadoop, Java, Scala, Spark and more.

Industrial experience in search, classification, recommendation systems, or related fields.

Familiarity with A/B testing and data-driven product development.

Passionate about creating products loved by customers at Apple.

Bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent practical experience) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with search or recommendation systems, and semantic retrieval or vector databases.

Expertise in large scale distributed and client-server systems.

Passion for developing intelligent, human-centered experiences to enhance content discovery.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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